Folded, one-piece, liquid-tight tray and blank for forming same

ABSTRACT

A folded, one-piece, liquid-tight tray and blank for forming same. The blank is of rectangular configuration having corners. A plurality of score lines are formed on the blank for forming a tray having a bottom, side and end walls, outwardly extending edge rims, and a corner fold line of triangular configuration in each tray corner for forming a corner supporting column. The corner fold lines define a tab at each corner each of which has two cut lines for inserting associated edge rims therein and maintaining the folded supporting column.

United States Patent Kinney 1 June 13, 1972 FOLDED, ON E-PIECE,LIQUID-TIGHT TRAY AND BLANK FOR FORMING SAME FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 303,453 8/1968 Sweden ..229/31R 1,565,898 3/1969 France..229/31R [72] Inventor: Alfred W. Kinney, Kansas City, Mo.

. Primary Examiner-Davis T. Moorhead [73] Assignee. Philllps PetroleumCompany Amey Young & gg [22] Filed: Dec. 1, 1970 21 App]. No.: 94,003[571 ABSTRACT A folded, one-piece, liquid-tight tray and blank forforming 52 U.S.Cl ..229/31 Same. The blank is Of rectangularconfiguration having [51] Int. Cl ..B65d 5/24 new A pl ra i yv c r linesare formed on the blank for [58] Field of Search ..229/31, 32, 99/171forming a tray having a bottom. side and end walls, outwardly extendingedge rims, and a corner fold line of triangular con- References Cltcdfiguration in each tray corner for forming a corner supporting UNITEDSTATES PATENTS column. The corner fold lines define a tab at each cornereach of which has two cut lines for inserting associated edge rims2,330,262 9/1943 Biggs ..229/31 R therein and maintaining the foldedsupporting column. 3,536,248 10/1970 Odenhagen et al. .....229/31 R3,550,835 12/1970 Persson ..229/31 R 10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures L 4 so43 4a 50 Q 1 4 4 la 36 56 E Q.

m 34 33 38 h 7 i 7 P I /48 50 PATENTEBJun 13 I972 SHEET 2 BF 2 FIG. 6

FIG. 5'

INVENTOR. A. W. Kl NN EY A TTOR/VEVS FOLDED, ONE-PIECE, LIQUID-TIGHTTRAY AND BLANK FOR FORMING SAME It is desirable to form a sturdy,folded, one-piece, liquidtight tray that is formed from a single,foldable rectangular blank and is maintained in the folded tray formwithout the use of staples, adhesives, or the use of other like securingapparatus or materials.

Heretofore utilized trays of the above-described type generally areformed of a plurality of material pieces and/or require additionalsecuring apparatus or materials for maintaining the tray in the formedcondition. The construction of these containers heretofore generallyrequired additional materials, forming machinery, and labor relative tothe tray of this invention.

Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from a study of the disclosure, the appended claims, andthe drawing.

The drawings are diagrammatic views of a blank and portions of blanksused for forming the tray of this invention and an isometric view inpartial section of a tray of this invention.

FIG. 1 shows a blank of this invention,

FIGS. 2-5 show a portion of the blank of FIG. 1 with said portion havingscore lines of different embodiments, and

FIG. 6 shows an example tray of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the blank 2 for forming the tray of this inventionhas a length (L), a width (W) and four corners 4.

A first pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines 6,6 extendalong a portion of the length (L) of the blank 2 and terminate at alocation spaced from the lateral edges 8,10 of the blank 2. Each of thefold lines 6,6 is positioned a common distance A from an associatedlongitudinal edge 12 or 14 of the blank 2. 1

A second pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines 16,16 extendsalong a portion of the length of the blank 2. The second pair of foldlines 16,16 are each substantially parallel to the first pair of foldlines 6,6 and each are positioned between one of the first pair of foldlines 6 or 6 and the associated longitudinal edge 12 or 14 a commonspaced distance B from said longitudinal edge. Each of the second pairof fold lines 16,16 terminate at locations spaced a common preselecteddistance C from associated lateral edges 8,10 of the blank 2 therebyforming first and second edge rims 18,20 that are defined by theirrespective fold lines 16 or 16 and their respective longitudinal edge 12or 14.

A third pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines 22,22 extendalong a portion of the width (W) of the blank 2 and terminate at alocation spaced from the longitudinal edges 12,14 of the blank 2. Eachof the fold lines 22,22 is spaced a common distance A from an associatedlateral edge 8 or of the blank 2 with portions of the first and thirdpairs of fold lines 6,6 and 22,22 defining the bottom 24 of the tray inthe formed condition.

A fourth pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines 26,26 extendthrough a portion of the width of the blank 2. The fourth pair of foldlines 26,26 are each substantially parallel to the third pair of foldlines 22,22, and are each positioned between one of the third pair offold lines 22 or 22 and the associated lateral edge 8 or 10 a commonspaced distance B from said lateral edge 8 or 10. Each of the fourthpair of fold lines 26,26 terminate at locations spaced a commonpreselected distance C from associated longitudinal edges 12 or 14 ofthe blank thereby'forming third and fourth edge rims 28,30 that aredefined by their respective fold lines 26,26 and their respectivelateral edge 8 or 1 Eight slots 32 are formed on the blank with a slotpair positioned on opposed sides of each corner 4 of the blank 2. Eachslot 32 has a depth substantially equal to the length of said distance Band extends from a location near one of the intersections of the secondand third pairs of fold lines 16,16 and 22,22 a common distance D towardthe associated comer 4 and terminates at a location spaced a commondistance E from said associated comer 4.

Corner fold lines 34 are positioned adjacent each comer 4 of the blank2. Each corner fold line 34 is formed of first,

second, and third portions 36,38,40 forming a triangular configuration.The first-and third portions 36,40 of each corner fold line 34 extendsfrom one of the junctures of the firstand third fold line pairs 6,6 and22,22 to a location on a separate one of the adjacent slots 32 spaced acommon distance F from the respective comer 4 of the blank 2. The secondportion '38 of each comer fold line 34 joins the first and third foldline portions 36,40 and extends between the slot' pair ofthe associatedcomer 4 forming a tab 42-between each corner- 4 of the blank 2 and eachsecond fold line portion 38 of the corner fold lines 34.

A cut line 44 extends from each slot 32 a distance through theassociated tab 42. Each cut line 44 is substantially parallel to andspaced a distance B from an associated, adjacent edge 8,10,12 or 14 ofthe blank 2 for locking the tab 42 to the edge rims 18 and 28, or 18 and30, or 20 and 28, or 20 and 30 in the formed condition of the blank.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the summation of thedistances D and E are greater than the distance C, the second portion 38of the corner fold line 34 intersects the respective first and thirdportions 36,40 at locations spaced a distance greater than E from therespective corner 4 of the blank 2 and the distance from a locationspaced a distance B from an edge of the blank 2 to the intersection ofthe second fold line portion 38 with the slot 32 being substantiallyequal to the distance from the intersection of the second fold lineportion 38 with the slot 32 to a location spaced a distance B from theassociated comer. In this preferred construction, the side and end wallsof the tray meet in the formed condition and the corner portions of thetray are of sturdy construction.

Referring to other embodiments of the corner portion of the blank 2, asshown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the summation of the distances D and E are lessthan the distance C. This embodiment also includes a second cut line 46that is substantially parallel to and spaced a distance B from anassociated adjacent edge 8,10,12 orv 14 of the blank 2 and abutting anend of one of the fold lines that are spaced a distance B from theassociated edge of the blank, i.e., 16,16, 26 or 26. Referring to FIG.2, the second portion 38 of the corner fold line 34 can also intersectthe respective first and third portions 36,40 of the comer fold lines 34at locations spaced a common distance E from the respective corner 4 ofthe blank.

Referring to FIG. 3, a comer portion of the blank 2 is constructed withthe summation of the distances D and E being substantially equal to thedistance C and with the second portion 38 of the corner fold lines 34intersecting the respective first and third portions 36,40 of the cornerfold lines 34 at locations spaced a distance E from the respectivecorner 4 of the blank 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the second portion 38 of the corner foldline 34 can intersect the respective first and third portions 36,40 ofthe comer fold lines 34 at locations spaced a common distance F greaterthan E from the respective corner 4 of the blank 2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the length of each slot 32 in a plane passed througha location a distance Bfrom andparallel to the respective edges 8,10,12or 14 of the blank 2 can be about one-half of the difference between thedistance A minus the distance B. The length of each slot 32 in a planepassed through the respective edge 8,10,12 or 14 of the blank 2 can besmaller than the length of each slot 32 in a plane passed through alocation a distance B from and parallel to the respective edge of theblank 2 and with a first edge 48 of the slot 32 being angularly disposedrelative to the respective edge of the blank 2 and a second edge 50 ofthe slot 32 positioned between the first slot edge 48 and the respectivecomer 4 of the blank being substantially perpendicularly disposedrelative to the respective edge of the blank 2.

By varying the distances and positioning of the second portion 38 of thecomer fold line 34 and other associated fold lines as indicated above,the operator can change the construction of the comer portion of thetray to vary the resultant configurations to more nearly meet his needsyet maintain a construction that is liquid-tight, of one-piececonstruction and foldable. 1

Suitable example materials from which the blank and tray of thisinvention can be fonned are: paperboard, thin metal sheet, metal foil,plastic sheet and/or laminates of these materials with one another orwith other materials.

Referring to FIG. 6, a tray 52 of this invention is formed of the blankof this invention. The tray 52 has a bottom 24 defined by the first andthird pairs of spaced fold lines 6,6 and 22,22. The first pair of foldlines 6,6 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal edges 12,14 ofthe blank 2 and the third pair of fold lines are substantially parallelto the lateral edges 8,10 of the blank with each fold line of the firstand third pair of fold lines 6,6 and 22,22 being a common distance Afrom the respective edges 8,10,12 or 14 of the blank 2.

First and second side walls 54,56 extend upwardly from the tray bottom24 a distance G. The side walls 54,56 are each defined by one of thefirst pair of fold lines 6 or 6 and one of the second pair of fold lines16 or 16' that are substantially parallel to a longitudinal edge 12 or14 of the blank 2. Each of the first and second side walls 54,56 isspaced a common distance B from its respective longitudinal blank edge12 or 14.

First and second end walls 58,60 extend upwardly from the tray bottom 24a distance G. The end walls 58,60 are each defined by one of the thirdpair of fold lines 22,22 and one of a fourth pair of fold lines 26,26that are substantially parallel to the lateral edges 8 or 10 of theblank 2. Each of the first and second end walls 58,60 are spaced acommon distance B from its respective lateral blank edge 8 or 10.

First and second edge rims 18,20 extend outwardly from a respective oneof the first and second side walls 54 or 56. The edge rims 18,20 eachare defined by one of the second pair of fold lines 16 or 16 and itsrespective longitudinal blank edge 12 or 14 and each have a width B.

Third and fourth edge rims 28,30 extend outwardly from a respective oneof the first and second end walls 58,60. The third and fourth edge rims28,30 each are defined by one of the fourth pair of fold lines 26,26 andits respective lateral blank edge 8 or 10 and each have a width B.

The plurality of slots are formed on the edges 8,10,12,14 of the blank2. Each slot has a depth substantially equal to the width of theassociated edge rim 18,20,28 or 30 and extends from a location near oneof the intersections of the second and third pairs of fold lines 16,16and 22,22 and the intersections of the first and fourth pairs of foldlines 6,6 and 26,26 a common distance D toward one associated comer 4 ofthe blank 2 and terminate at a location spaced a common distance E fromsaid associated corner 4. Each corner 4 thus has a pair of slots 32associated therewith.

A supporting column 70 of triangular configuration is formed at theintersection of each side wall 54,56 and each end wall 58,60 within thetray. Each supporting column 70 has first and second enfolded panels72,74 and a face panel 76 of triangular configuration. The face panels76 are each defined by the comer fold line 34 which has first, second,and third portions 36,38,40 as described above. The first and thirdcorner fold line portions 36,40 each extend from a corner of the traybottom 24 to a location on a separate one of the adjacent slots 32spaced a common distance F from the respective comer 4 of the blank 2.The second portion 38 of each corner fold line 34 joins the first andthird fold line portions 36,40 and extends between the adjacentassociated slots 32. Each first enfolded panel 72 is defined by thefirst corner fold line portion 36, the associated slot 32, and one ofthe end walls 58 or 60. The first enfolded panel 72 is hingedlyconnected to the associated end wall 58 or 60 and face panels 76 and isfolded in overlapping and facing relationship with the associated endwall 58 or 60. Each of the second enfolded panels is defined by thethird comer fold line portion 40, the associated slot 32 and one of theside walls 54,56. The second enfolded panel 74 is hingedly connected tothe associated side wall 54,56 and face panels 76 and folded inoverlapping and facing relationship with the associated side wall 54 or56.

Four tabs 42 extend outwardly from their respective corner fold linesecond portion 38. Each tab has first and second cut lines 44 receivinga portion of the adjacently positioned edge rims 18,28, or 18,30, or20,28, or 20,30 for locking the panels 72,74,76 of the supporting column70 in the enfolded position. Each tab 42 is defined by its respectivesecond fold line portion 38, associated slot 32 and blank comer 4.

As described above with reference to the blank 2, the edge rims 18,20,28and 30 can have a cut line 46 extending along the fold line 16,16, 26 or26 of said edge rim. The cut line 46 extends from a respective slot 32 adistance along said fold line and terminates at a location spaced adistance C from the respective blank corner 4 in the enfolded conditionof the blank 2.

The tray 52 of this invention can be provided with a snap-on cover,wrapped with plastic film, or other means and sealed to cover articlesor materials supported by the tray bottom 24 within the tray 52. Oneexample of a use of this tray wouldbe for the packaging of meats forretail sales.

In forming the tray 52 of this invention from a blank 20f thisinvention, the side walls 54,56 and end walls 58,60 are moved, forexample, upwardly relative to the bottom 24 to position the side walls54,56 and end walls 58,60 at an angular location about relative to thebottom. The blank is folded along fold lines 6,6 and 22,22 during thisoperation. The edge rims 18,20,28,30 are folded outwardly from theirrespective end walls 58,60 and side walls 54,56 at angles of about 90relative thereto. During movement of the edge rims 18,20,28, and 30, theblank 2 is folded along fold lines 16,1626 and 26. The corner fold lines34 are folded to move the first and second unfolded panels 72,74 intofacing relationship with their respective side walls 54,56 and end walls58,60 and the tabs 42 are moved outwardly from the tray 52 folding thesecond corner fold line portion 38 for positioning the tab 42 in aposition substantially parallel to the tray bottom 24 and the edge rims18,20,28 and 30. Portions of the tabs42 are then moved to a location ata lower elevation than the edge rims 18,20,28,30 with portions of eachedge rim inserted within the out line 44 of the tab-42 for maintainingthe tray 52 in the folded formed condition.

By so constructing the tray and blank'of this invention, the tray can beformed without using adhesive,- staples or other like locking apparatusor material. The tray is sturdy, compact, requires small amounts oflabor to form and assemble and can be shipped flat to the location ofuse. The various embodiments of the comer portion of the tray of thisinvention permits an operator to choose a tray type that is adapted tohis desired usage of the tray.

Other modifications and alterations of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing discussion andaccompanying drawing, and it should be 'un-. derstood that thisinvention is not to be unduly limited thereto.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A generally rectangular blank having a length, a width, and comersfor forming a folded, one-piece, liquid-tight tray comprising:

a first pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines extendingalong a portion of the length of the blank, each being spaced a commondistance A from an dinal edge of the blank;

a second pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines ex- I tendingalong a portion of the length of the blank, said second pair of foldlines each being substantially parallel to the first pair of fold lines,positioned between one of the first pair of fold lines and theassociated longitudinal edge a common spaced distance B from saidlongitudinal edge, and each temiinating at locations spaced a commonpreselected distance C from associated lateral edges of the blank forforming an edge rim defined by the second pair of fold lines and theirrespective longitudinal edge;

a third pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines extendingalong a portion of the width of the blank, each spaced a common distanceA from an associated lateral edge of the blank with portions of saidfirst and third pairs associated longituof fold lines defining thebottom of the tray in the formed condition;

a fourth pair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines extendingalong a portion of the width of the blank, said fourth pair of foldlines each being substantially parallel to the third pair of fold lines,positioned between one of the third pair of fold lines and theassociated lateral edge a common spaced distance B from said lateraledge, and each terminating at locations spaced a common preselecteddistance C from associated longitudinal edges of the blank for formingan edge rim defined by the fourth pair of fold lines and theirrespective lateral edge;

eight slots formed on the blank, said slots having a depth substantiallyequal to the length of said distance B and extending from a locationnear one of the intersections of the second and third pairs of foldlines a common distance D toward the associated corner and tenninatingat a location spaced a common distance E from said associated corner;

corner fold lines positioned adjacent each comer of the blank, eachcorner fold line having first, second, and third portions defining atriangle, said first and third portions of each corner fold lineextending from one of the junctures of the first and third fold linepairs to a location on a separate one of the adjacent slots spaced acommon distance F from the respective corner of the blank and saidsecond portion of each corner fold line joining the first and third foldline portions and extending between the slots of the associated cornerforming a tab between each corner of the blank and each second fold lineportion of the corner fold lines; and

a cut line extending from each slot a distance through the tab, each outline being substantially parallel to and spaced a distance B from anassociated edge of the blank for locking the tab to the edge rims in theformed condition of the blank.

2. A blank, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the summation of thedistances D and E is greater than the distance C and the second portionof the corner fold lines intersects the respective first and thirdportions of the corner fold lines at locations spaced a distance greaterthan E from the respective corner of the blank.

3. A blank, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the summation of thedistances D and E are substantially equal to the distance C and whereinthe second portion of the comer fold lines intersects the respectivefirst and third portions of the corner fold lines at locations spaced adistance E from the respective corner of the blank.

4. A blank, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the summation of thedistances D and E are less than the distance C including a second outline extending from each slot a distance along the edge rim, each secondout line being substantially parallel to and spaced a distance B from anassociated edge of the blank and abutting an end of one of the foldlines spaced a distance B from the associated edge.

5. A blank, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the second portion of thecomer fold lines intersects the respective first and third portions ofthe corner fold lines at locations spaced a common distance E from therespective comer of the blank.

6. A blank, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the second portion of thecorner fold lines intersects the respective first and third portions ofthe corner fold lines at locations spaced a common distance greater thanE from the respective comer of the blank.

7. A blank, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the length of each slot ina plane passed through a location a distance from and parallel to therespective edge of the blank is about one-half of the difference betweendistance A minus distance B.

8. A blank, as set forth in claim 7, wherein the length of each slot ina plane passed through the respective edge of the blank is smaller thanthe length of each slot in a plane passed through a location a distanceB from and parallel to the respective edge of the blank with a firstedge of the slot being angularly disposed relative to the respectiveedge of the blank and a second edge of the slot positioned between thefirst slot edge and the respective comer of the blank beingsubstantially perpendicularly disposed relative to the respective edgeof the blank.

9. A folded, liquid-tight, tray constructed from a single blank ofrectangular foldable material having edges, a length, a-width, andcomers, comprising:

a tray bottom defined by first and third pairs of spaced, fold lines,said first pair of fold lines being substantially parallel to thelongitudinal edges of the blank and said third pair of fold lines beingsubstantially parallel to the lateral edges of the blank with each foldline of said first and third pair of fold lines being a common distanceA from the respective edges of the blank;

first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from the tray bottom adistance G, said sidewalls each being defined by one of the first pairof fold lines and one of a second pair of fold lines being substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal edge of the blank and each spaced a commondistance B from its respective longitudinal blank edge;

first and second end walls extending upwardly from the tray bottom adistance G, said end walls each being defined by one of the third pairof fold lines and one of a fourth pair of fold lines being substantiallyparallel to the lateral edges of the blank and each spaced a commondistance B from its respective lateral blank edge;

first and second edge rims each extending outwardly from a respectiveone of the first and second sidewalls, said first and second edge rimseach being defined by one of the second pair of fold lines and itsrespective longitudinal blank edge and having a width B;

third and fourth edge rims each extending outwardly from a respectiveone of the first and second end walls, said third and fourth edge rimseach being defined by one of the fourth pair of fold lines and itsrespective lateral blank edge and having a width B;

a plurality of slots formed on the edge of the blank, each having adepth substantially equal to the width of the edge rim, each of saidslots extending from a location near one of the intersections of thesecond and third pairs of fold lines acommon distance D toward oneassociated corner of the blank and terminating at a location spaced acommon distance E from said associated corner with each comer of theblank having a pair of slots associated therewith;

a supporting column of triangular configuration fonned at theintersection of each sidewall and end wall within the tray, saidsupporting column having'first and second enfolded panels and a facepanel of triangular configuration, each of said face panels beingdefined by a corner fold line having first, second, and third portionsdefining a triangle, said first and third comer fold line portions eachextending from a comer of the tray bottom to'a location on a separateone of the adjacent slots spaced a common distance F from the respectivecorner of the blank and said second portion of each corner fold linejoining the first and third fold line portions and extending between theadjacent, associated slots, each of said first enfolded panels beingdefined by the first corner fold line portion, the associated slot, andone of the end walls and being hingedly connected to said associated endwall and face panel and folded in overlapping relationship with theassociated end wall, and each of said second enfolded panels beingdefined by the third corner fold line portion, the associated slot, andone of the sidewalls and being hingedly connected to said associatedsidewall and face panel and folded in overlapping relationship with theassociated sidewall; and

four tabs each extending outwardly from their respective comer fold linesecond portion, each tab having first and second cut lines receiving aportion of the adjacently positioned edge rims for locking the panels ofthe supporting column in the enfolded position, said tabs each beingdefined by its respective second comer fold line portion, associatedslots, and blank comer.

10. A tray, as set forth in claim 9, wherein the edge rims

1. A generally rectangular blank having a length, a width, and cornersfor forming a folded, one-piece, liquid-tight tray comprising: a firstpair of spaced, substantially parallel fold lines extending along aportion of the length of the blank, each being spaced a common distanceA from an associated longitudinal edge of the blank; a second pair ofspaced, substantially parallel fold lines extending along a portion ofthe length of the blank, said second pair of fold lines each beingsubstantially parallel to the first pair of fold lines, positionedbetween one of the first pair of fold lines and the associatedlongitudinal edge a common spaced distance B from said longitudinaledge, and each terminating at locations spaced a common preselecteddistance C from associated lateral edges of the blank for forming anedge rim defined by the second pair of fold lines and their respectivelongitudinal edge; a third pair of spaced, substantially parallel foldlines extending along a portion of the width of the blank, each spaced acommon distance A from an associated lateral edge of the blank withportions of said first and third pairs of fold lines defining the bottomof the tray in the formed condition; a fourth pair of spaced,substantially parallel fold lines extending along a portion of the widthof the blank, said fourth pair of fold lines each being substantiallyparallel to the third pair of fold lines, positioned between one of thethird pair of fold lines and the associated lateral edge a common spaceddistance B from said lateral edge, and each terminating at locationsspaced a common preselected distance C from associated longitudinaledges of the blank for forming an edge rim defined by the fourth pair offold lines and their respective lateral edge; eight slots formed on theblank, said slots having a depth substantially equal to the length ofsaid distance B and extending from a location near one of theintersections of the second and third pairs of fold lines a commondistance D toward the associated corner and terminating at a locationspaced a common distance E from said associated corner; corner foldlines positioned adjacent each corner of the blank, each corner foldline having first, second, and third portions defining a triangle, saidfirst and third portions of each corner fold line extending from one ofthe junctures of the first and third fold line pairs to a location on aseparate one of the adjacent slots spaced a common distance F from therespective corner of the blank and said second portion of each cornerfold line joining the first and third fold line portions and extendingbetween the slots of the associated corner forming a tab between eachcorner of thE blank and each second fold line portion of the corner foldlines; and a cut line extending from each slot a distance through thetab, each cut line being substantially parallel to and spaced a distanceB from an associated edge of the blank for locking the tab to the edgerims in the formed condition of the blank.
 2. A blank, as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the summation of the distances D and E is greater thanthe distance C and the second portion of the corner fold linesintersects the respective first and third portions of the corner foldlines at locations spaced a distance greater than E from the respectivecorner of the blank.
 3. A blank, as set forth in claim 1, wherein thesummation of the distances D and E are substantially equal to thedistance C and wherein the second portion of the corner fold linesintersects the respective first and third portions of the corner foldlines at locations spaced a distance E from the respective corner of theblank.
 4. A blank, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the summation of thedistances D and E are less than the distance C including a second cutline extending from each slot a distance along the edge rim, each secondcut line being substantially parallel to and spaced a distance B from anassociated edge of the blank and abutting an end of one of the foldlines spaced a distance B from the associated edge.
 5. A blank, as setforth in claim 4, wherein the second portion of the corner fold linesintersects the respective first and third portions of the corner foldlines at locations spaced a common distance E from the respective cornerof the blank.
 6. A blank, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the secondportion of the corner fold lines intersects the respective first andthird portions of the corner fold lines at locations spaced a commondistance greater than E from the respective corner of the blank.
 7. Ablank, as set forth in claim 4, wherein the length of each slot in aplane passed through a location a distance B from and parallel to therespective edge of the blank is about one-half of the difference betweendistance A minus distance B.
 8. A blank, as set forth in claim 7,wherein the length of each slot in a plane passed through the respectiveedge of the blank is smaller than the length of each slot in a planepassed through a location a distance B from and parallel to therespective edge of the blank with a first edge of the slot beingangularly disposed relative to the respective edge of the blank and asecond edge of the slot positioned between the first slot edge and therespective corner of the blank being substantially perpendicularlydisposed relative to the respective edge of the blank.
 9. A folded,liquid-tight, tray constructed from a single blank of rectangularfoldable material having edges, a length, a width, and corners,comprising: a tray bottom defined by first and third pairs of spaced,fold lines, said first pair of fold lines being substantially parallelto the longitudinal edges of the blank and said third pair of fold linesbeing substantially parallel to the lateral edges of the blank with eachfold line of said first and third pair of fold lines being a commondistance A from the respective edges of the blank; first and secondsidewalls extending upwardly from the tray bottom a distance G, saidsidewalls each being defined by one of the first pair of fold lines andone of a second pair of fold lines being substantially parallel to alongitudinal edge of the blank and each spaced a common distance B fromits respective longitudinal blank edge; first and second end wallsextending upwardly from the tray bottom a distance G, said end wallseach being defined by one of the third pair of fold lines and one of afourth pair of fold lines being substantially parallel to the lateraledges of the blank and each spaced a common distance B from itsrespective lateral blank edge; first and second edge rims each extendiNgoutwardly from a respective one of the first and second sidewalls, saidfirst and second edge rims each being defined by one of the second pairof fold lines and its respective longitudinal blank edge and having awidth B; third and fourth edge rims each extending outwardly from arespective one of the first and second end walls, said third and fourthedge rims each being defined by one of the fourth pair of fold lines andits respective lateral blank edge and having a width B; a plurality ofslots formed on the edge of the blank, each having a depth substantiallyequal to the width of the edge rim, each of said slots extending from alocation near one of the intersections of the second and third pairs offold lines a common distance D toward one associated corner of the blankand terminating at a location spaced a common distance E from saidassociated corner with each corner of the blank having a pair of slotsassociated therewith; a supporting column of triangular configurationformed at the intersection of each sidewall and end wall within thetray, said supporting column having first and second enfolded panels anda face panel of triangular configuration, each of said face panels beingdefined by a corner fold line having first, second, and third portionsdefining a triangle, said first and third corner fold line portions eachextending from a corner of the tray bottom to a location on a separateone of the adjacent slots spaced a common distance F from the respectivecorner of the blank and said second portion of each corner fold linejoining the first and third fold line portions and extending between theadjacent, associated slots, each of said first enfolded panels beingdefined by the first corner fold line portion, the associated slot, andone of the end walls and being hingedly connected to said associated endwall and face panel and folded in overlapping relationship with theassociated end wall, and each of said second enfolded panels beingdefined by the third corner fold line portion, the associated slot, andone of the sidewalls and being hingedly connected to said associatedsidewall and face panel and folded in overlapping relationship with theassociated sidewall; and four tabs each extending outwardly from theirrespective corner fold line second portion, each tab having first andsecond cut lines receiving a portion of the adjacently positioned edgerims for locking the panels of the supporting column in the enfoldedposition, said tabs each being defined by its respective second cornerfold line portion, associated slots, and blank corner.
 10. A tray, asset forth in claim 9, wherein the edge rims each have a cut line exitingalong the fold line of said edge rim from a respective slot a distancealong said fold line and terminating at a location spaced a distance Cfrom the respective blank corner in the unfolded condition of the blank.